Google unveils desktop search tool

Page Tools

Internet search giant Google has unveiled a new desktop program
that allows personal computer users to search the web as well as
their own computer files, a move analysts said could be a challenge
to Microsoft.

Google said a test version of its Desktop Search application was
being offered as a free download.

"Google Desktop Search brings the power of Google to your
personal information on your own computer. As easily as searching
Google, you can instantly search your files, local email, the web
pages you have seen, and more," said Larry Page, Google's
co-founder.

"It's free, installs quickly, and keeps completely up to date.
Google Desktop Search represents a quantum leap in access to your
own information."

Joe Wilcox at Jupiter Research said the move by Google could be
a threat to Microsoft by making the Windows platform and browser
less needed.

"Google essentially is blurring the informational divide between
desktop and web information, which is a smart approach that should
concern Microsoft.

"Google is shifting the focus away from specific technologies,
like Windows, to the greater utility of web-based information,"
Wilcox said in a web log.

"Google's desktop search tool may run on only Windows, but
that's because of the sheer volume of people using the operating
system. And that's where Google can fill in search capabilities
left out by Microsoft."

Wilcox said others are likely to follow Google's lead.

"Google may be first, but AOL (America Online) and Microsoft
also are preparing desktop search tools. Competition is just
beginning," he said.